The short answer is yes, the Irish do have tartans. However, the history and traditions around Irish tartans are quite different from Scottish tartans.
What are tartans?
Tartans are woven woolen fabrics made up of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors called a sett. Tartans are strongly associated with Scottish culture and Scottish clans, with each Scottish clan having its own unique tartan pattern and colors.
Do the Irish have their own tartans?
Yes, there are tartans that are associated with Ireland and Irish clans or families. However, the concept of family tartans is much less prominent in Irish culture compared to Scottish culture.
Some key differences regarding Irish tartans:
- Irish tartans tend to be more recent, many created in the 19th or 20th centuries.
- There are far fewer Irish family tartans compared to the many Scottish clan tartans.
- Ireland does not have a national tartan. Scotland has multiple national tartans.
- In Ireland, tartans are mainly seen as decorative fabrics, not symbols of family identity.
History of Irish Tartans
The origins of Irish tartans are much less documented compared to iconic Scottish tartans. Some key historical notes:
- The oldest known Irish tartan dates back to circa 16th century, associated with the Irish O’Neill clan.
- Some Irish tartans were created by weavers inspired by Scottish tartans in the 19th century.
- Irish regiments serving in the British army began adopting tartans in the 19th century.
- Certain Irish tartans were designed in the 20th century to promote Irish national identity.
So while tartans have a centuries-long history in Scotland, most Irish tartans are relatively modern inventions without the same strong traditions.
Examples of Irish Tartans
Here are some of the more well-known Irish tartans:
- Irish National Tartan – A green, white and orange tartan designed in the 1950s during a revival of interest in Irish cultural symbols.
- County Tartans – Some Irish counties have created their own unique tartans in recent decades.
- Irish Regimental Tartans – Tartans worn by famous Irish regiments of the British Army like the Connaught Rangers.
- Family Tartans – Tartans associated with old Irish families such as the O’Neills, O’Donnells, and Murphys.
However, many Irish people today do not feel a strong connection or loyalty to any particular Irish tartan.
Irish Tartans vs. Scottish Tartans
The role of tartans in Irish culture is very different from their role in Scottish culture:
| Irish Tartans | Scottish Tartans |
|---|---|
| Seen mostly as decorative fabrics | Potent symbols of Scottish identity and clan lineage |
| Most date back 150 years or less | Many designs are centuries old |
| No national tartan | Multiple national tartans used in formal Scottish dress |
| No tradition of family tartans | Every Scottish clan has own tartan dating back generations |
So in summary, the Irish do have their own tartans but they play a much less significant role compared to the iconic tartans of Scotland.
Are Irish tartans popular today?
While interest in Irish cultural symbols went through a revival in the mid-20th century, Irish tartans are not commonly worn today. You may see some Irish tartans being used in the following contexts:
- Symbolic use by Irish regiment reenactors or marching band groups.
- Some souvenir or fashion uses of the Irish national tartan.
- Use by individuals with heritage links to certain Irish families.
- Decorative use in Irish pubs or shops, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
However, most Irish people do not own or regularly wear Irish tartans. The strong Scottish clan and family associations are largely absent.
Conclusion
In summary, there are Irish tartans but they have a much weaker cultural significance and history than the iconic tartans of Scotland. Irish tartans are seen as decorative fabrics rather than as symbols of family identity and lineage. While tartans are inextricably linked to Scottish heritage, they have a much more marginal role in the heritage and culture of Ireland today.